King Charles’ coronation: Mosque attack hero surprised to be on invitation list

Abdul Aziz was hailed a hero in the wake of the March 15, 2019, attacks for saving lives at the Linwood mosque in Christchurch. Photo / Conan Young, File

From RNZ

Abdul Aziz, who confronted the terrorist who attacked Linwood Islamic Centre, is preparing to travel to the UK as part of the country’s official delegation at King Charles’ coronation.

Aziz was armed with only an eftpos machine when he chased away the terrorist on March 15, 2019.

Now the New Zealand Cross recipient is heading to the UK, as a part of the country’s official delegation accompanying Prime Minister Chris Hipkins to the King’s coronation at Westminster Abbey in London this weekend.

Other delegation members include Governor-General Dame Cindy Kiro; Opposition leader Christopher Luxon; the head of the Kīngitanga movement, Kīngi Tūheitia Pōtatau Te Wherowhero VII, and his wife, Makau Ariki Atawhai; former All Blacks captain Richie McCaw and Victoria Cross recipient Willie Apiata.

Kīngi Tūheitia Pōtatau Te Wherowhero VII. Photo / Māori TV, File

Aziz told RNZ’s First Up he was surprised and honoured to receive an email invitation and it will enable him to visit Britain for the first time.

He said his family and friends were also happy for him to be chosen.

He met both King Charles and Prince William on their visits to Christchurch after the mosque attacks and expressed the hope that he would get a chance to speak to them again during any social events organised around the coronation.

When told that coronation quiche could be on the royal menu - an initiative of King Charles - he said he had never eaten it before but if it has been chosen by the King he was confident it would be “amazing”.

Aziz was hopeful he would have some time after the coronation to visit a UK-based family who lost an uncle in the mosque attacks.

“They know I’m coming and they are very happy.”

He will take time after the main royal event to go sightseeing for about a week before returning home.